As college football evolves in response to new rules, NIL opportunities, and the increasingly active transfer portal, Alabama football continues to be a powerhouse under Nick Saban. However, after the most recent wave of NFL Draft decisions and transfer portal movements, the Crimson Tide is once again recalibrating its roster for the 2025 season. This article takes an in-depth look at where Alabama stands following these developments, evaluating both the losses and gains that have shaped their squad heading into the new year.
NFL Decisions: Impact of Early Departures
Alabama’s tradition of producing NFL-caliber talent has never been more pronounced, and the 2024-2025 draft cycle is no exception. A number of high-profile players chose to declare early, leaving voids on both sides of the ball. The most notable departures include:
1. Bryce Young (QB) – NFL Draft (Carolina Panthers)
Perhaps the most significant loss for Alabama football is quarterback Bryce Young, who declared for the NFL Draft after leading the team to a National Championship appearance in 2023. Young’s departure marks the end of an era, and Alabama will be seeking to replace a Heisman-winning quarterback who was not only an exceptional playmaker but also a leader on and off the field. With his transition to the NFL as the first overall pick, the Tide will now rely on either Jalen Milroe or Ty Simpson to take the reins under center.
2. Jahmyr Gibbs (RB) – NFL Draft (Detroit Lions)
Gibbs was one of the most dynamic and versatile running backs in college football in 2023. His ability to contribute in both the run and pass game made him a critical weapon in Alabama’s offense. His departure leaves a gap in the backfield, which will likely be filled by a combination of returning backs like Roydell Williams and highly-touted freshman Justice Haynes.
3. Will Anderson Jr. (OLB) – NFL Draft (Houston Texans)
Anderson was arguably the most dominant defender in college football during his time in Tuscaloosa. As the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, his departure leaves a massive void at outside linebacker. Alabama will need to reload in the pass-rush department, with players like Dallas Turner and a host of incoming recruits expected to step up.
4. Jordan Battle (S) – NFL Draft (Miami Dolphins)
A leader in Alabama’s secondary, Battle was an integral part of the Crimson Tide defense for multiple years. His presence in the secondary will be missed, but Nick Saban has consistently recruited top-tier talent in the defensive backfield. Expect young players like Malachi Moore and Caleb Downs to emerge as the next generation of leaders in the defensive backfield.
Transfer Portal Movements: Gains and Losses
The transfer portal has continued to be a major influence in college football, and Alabama has been active both in adding talent and losing some key contributors. Here’s a breakdown of Alabama’s notable portal gains and losses:
Notable Transfer Additions:
- Tyler Booker (OL) – Transfer from Tennessee
Alabama made a significant move to shore up its offensive line with the addition of Tyler Booker, a versatile offensive lineman from Tennessee. With several key players in the trenches leaving for the NFL, Booker provides much-needed depth and experience. His arrival is crucial for giving whichever quarterback wins the starting job the protection they need. - Dante Moore (QB) – Transfer from Oregon
In a move to stabilize the quarterback position following Young’s departure, Alabama brought in highly-touted transfer Dante Moore from Oregon. Moore was regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 transfer cycle and should compete with Jalen Milroe for the starting job. If he wins the position, Moore’s dual-threat ability could inject a new dimension into the Crimson Tide’s offense. - Jahmar Brown (LB) – Transfer from South Carolina
Alabama also bolstered its linebacker corps by adding former South Carolina standout Jahmar Brown. Brown provides immediate depth and could step into a starting role, especially with the loss of experienced linebackers to the NFL.
Key Transfers Out:
- Jahleel Billingsley (TE) – Transfer to Texas
Billingsley’s departure to Texas could have a significant impact on Alabama’s tight end depth. While he was not a consistent starter, his athleticism and potential were considerable. The Tide will need to fill that gap either through the emergence of younger players or through further recruiting. - Kendall Randolph (OL) – Transfer to Michigan
Another key loss came from the offensive line, where Kendall Randolph transferred to Michigan. While not a starter, Randolph was a versatile player who provided depth in the trenches. Alabama will need to rely on younger players or transfers to fill that gap. - Eli Ricks (CB) – Transfer to LSU
Ricks, a transfer from LSU, initially showed promise in his first season at Alabama but decided to return to his home state, transferring back to LSU. While Alabama has depth at cornerback, the loss of Ricks reduces the overall experience in the secondary.
Position Battles and Key Areas of Focus
With the roster reshaped by both the NFL departures and the transfer portal, Alabama enters the 2025 season with some critical position battles and areas of focus:
1. Quarterback Battle: Milroe vs. Moore
As mentioned, the biggest storyline for Alabama in 2025 is the battle at quarterback. Jalen Milroe, who started in place of an injured Bryce Young during parts of the 2023 season, is a dynamic athlete with the ability to make plays with his legs. However, Dante Moore’s high ceiling and potential as a passer will make this a competitive position battle throughout the spring and into fall camp.
2. Defensive Line and Pass Rush
With the departure of Will Anderson Jr., Alabama’s pass rush will need to reload. Dallas Turner, who is one of the top returning edge rushers, will likely be the focal point, but the Tide will need contributions from incoming freshmen and transfers to replace Anderson’s production. The defensive line will also need to step up to create pressure, especially with the growing strength of SEC offenses.
3. Running Back Depth
With Jahmyr Gibbs in the NFL, Alabama will rely on a committee of backs in 2025. Roydell Williams is the most experienced back, but freshmen like Justice Haynes are expected to get significant carries. The team’s success will depend on how quickly they can develop a reliable and explosive running game to complement the passing attack.
Conclusion: Nick Saban Reloads for Another Title Run
Despite losing several high-impact players to the NFL Draft and transfers, Alabama remains a national title contender. Nick Saban’s ability to reload through the transfer portal and consistently recruit elite talent ensures that the Crimson Tide will remain a force in college football. The battles at quarterback, along with the need to replace key players in the trenches and secondary, will be critical storylines for Alabama fans as the 2025 season approaches.
While the team will need to adapt to a changing college football landscape, one thing is clear: Nick Saban’s ability to rebuild and reload is as potent as ever. Whether they can replace the lost stars like Bryce Young and Will Anderson, and continue to dominate the SEC and college football, will likely determine their success in 2025 and beyond.
Be the first to comment